Message from the CEO

"Built, Not Bought:  My Journey Through Music"

While I haven’t professionally been in the business that long, I’ve been singing and entertaining for quite some time—and I’ve picked up quite a few things along the way. I’ve learned that if you’re serious about music, then you need to understand it comes with some real sacrifices.

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You won’t make money in the beginning, and it might actually take a long time to turn a profit—unless you’re lucky enough to come out with a smash hit. But even that might not pan out exactly as you imagined. You have to be willing to take a loss, if in fact, you believe in yourself.

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That means investing in yourself—not just financially, but with your time, energy, and discipline. Each day, you have to do something for your business—whether it’s singing, listening to different beats, writing parts of a new song, studying the industry, or networking with like-minded creatives. Music isn’t just a dream; it’s a daily grind. Every step you take adds to the bigger picture.

So even while you’re working your everyday 9–5, freelancing, or picking up side gigs to pay the bills, find the time to do something that complements and enhances your musical goals. That might mean rehearsing late at night, writing lyrics on your lunch break, or promoting your music online during downtime. Your consistency is what separates you from the rest.

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While others might be spending weekends relaxing or going out, you’ll often be in the studio, writing, rehearsing, or performing to small crowds. But that commitment—those hours nobody sees—are what shape you into an artist with real staying power.

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And through it all, support from your loved ones—your spouse, your family, your friends, mentors, and colleagues—can make a world of difference. When they show up for your performances, listen to your songs, and give honest feedback, they become more than just an audience—they become your sounding board, your motivators, and even your critics who push you to get better. That kind of support plays a huge part in your growth and development as an artist.

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When you’re surrounded by other singers or musicians, don’t see them as competition. See them as energy—something to feed off of that pushes everyone to grow. Collaboration over competition. Building genuine friendships in this space can open doors you never saw coming—collaborations, creative breakthroughs, and opportunities that can play a big part in your success.

Go to events. Show your face. Meet promoters, DJs, managers—anyone involved in the scene. Shake hands, have conversations, let people get to know you—not just your music, but you. Over time, those relationships build trust and familiarity. And when people know you on a personal level, they’re more likely to support you, share your music, book you for shows, and help get your name out there. Your presence matters just as much as your talent.

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Go to local venues, bars, restaurants—anywhere that hosts live entertainment, karaoke, or open mic nights. Meet the owners, managers, and especially the staff. Introduce yourself, learn their names, and be genuinely interested in what they do. These relationships can lead to future gigs, collaborations, or even mentorship. And always treat everyone with respect—from the owner down to the janitor—because you never know who they are, who they’re connected to, or how your interaction with them might impact your reputation down the line. Word travels fast in tight-knit communities, and being known as someone respectful, consistent, and humble will carry you just as far as your talent.

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Along the way, some of the people you work with are going to have questions—about your music, your process, or even technical things. If you don’t know the answer, be honest, but stay respectful and open-minded. Don’t pretend to know something just to save face. People appreciate honesty, especially when it’s delivered with professionalism and humility. Remember, everyone might be coming from a long day, feeling stressed or drained, but no matter what, let professionalism win. That kind of maturity and grace goes a long way and often speaks louder than your talent.

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At the same time, understand that not every conversation or connection will go the way you expect. You may not always agree with someone’s feedback, opinion, or approach—and that’s okay. Respect goes both ways. It’s a revolving door in this business—people move, grow, return, and remember. The key is to stay professional. It’s okay to agree to disagree. You don’t have to take every opinion to heart, but you also don’t want to burn bridges out of pride. It’s absolutely fair to want everyone to eat—but sometimes, it just means they can’t eat at your table. Keep your boundaries, but don’t carry bitterness. The industry is small, and your energy speaks before you do.

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Believe in the long game. Most success stories in music are built on years of behind-the-scenes work. Every setback—every no, every ignored track, every slow month—is part of your growth. Use them to sharpen your skills, stay hungry, and keep evolving.

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And most importantly, never forget why you started: the passion, the connection, the joy of creating something that moves people. If you keep showing up, keep learning, and keep doing something every single day to move forward, the sacrifices you make now will become the story behind your success later.